GIH training in TNF

Overview of the GIH



The Joint Helicopter Group (Groupe Interarmées d'Hélicoptères – GIH), created in 2006, is a joint unit under the operational control of the Special Operations Command (COS), while being administratively attached to the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4e RHFS) based in Villacoublay.


Overview of the GIH


The Joint Helicopter Group (Groupe Interarmées d'Hélicoptères – GIH), created in 2006, is a joint unit under the operational control of the Special Operations Command (COS), while being administratively attached to the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4e RHFS) based in Villacoublay.


Puma approaching the objectif

Why Use the Puma?


The SA 330 Puma is a medium-lift transport helicopter (capable of carrying up to 16 troops or 6 casualties) designed for complex missions, both day and night. It can perform deck landings and fast-roping insertions. It stands out for its robustness and reliability: continuous flight operations, high payload capacity, and tactical extraction with ESCAPE systems.


Puma fast escape from a potential threat

Organization and Assets


  • Squadrons: The GIH consists of two squadrons – EOS 4 from the Army (5 Pumas) and EOS 5 from the Air Force (2 Pumas), operating with mixed crews.


  • Aerial Fleet: 7 Pumas in total, with 24/7 operational readiness, and two helicopters on immediate alert for national police units.


  • Interoperability: Crews and maintenance personnel are drawn from both services, trained to joint standards to ensure maximum flexibility.

GIGN men's prepare themself for the assault

Tactical Missions


The GIH carries out three main mission types within France:
  1. Troop projection into secure zones, without exposing the aircraft to direct threats.
  2. Tactical support, including surveillance and potential fire support.
  3. Special operations: VIP transport, NBC evacuation, or civil protection support.
Notable operations include:
  • The Dammartin-en-Goële hostage crisis (2015) with the GIGN.
  • Nuclear plant security drills and counter-terrorism operations following the Charlie Hebdo attacks.
  • Rapid evacuations, such as the Disneyland Paris incident (March 2019).

Training and Readiness


  • Regular exercises include day/night fast-roping, mock rescues, and extraction drills, like those performed during Bastille Day demonstrations at Versailles.


  • Participation in inter-service joint maneuvers, such as those on the PHA Mistral in January 2023, alongside Gazelle and Cougar helicopters.

GIGN men's attacking the objectif

Availability, Challenges, and Future Outlook


  • Low availability rate (~30%) due to the aging Puma fleet, especially the Air Force models.


  • Replacement planning underway: Options being considered include the Caracal or NH90 TTH FS, with at least 9 aircraft needed to keep 4 on constant alert.

NH prototype of the Special Forces presented by airbus on the SIAE 2025


Conclusion


As an elite joint unit, the GIH relies on Puma helicopters to provide rapid and effective tactical airlift in support of internal security forces. While these helicopters have proven highly reliable, their age is increasingly a limitation. The future renewal of this fleet is essential to maintaining these critical national capabilities.




I would like to particularly thank the army personnel for their accessibility and kindness, without their accreditations some photos would not have been possible !

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